Abstract: A method for plugging a permeable zone or leak in a subterranean formation comprises introducing into the formation a cross-linking composition which comprises (a) an aqueous liquid, (b) a pH buffer, (c) a cross-linkable organic polymer, (d) a cross-linking agent which comprises an organic titanate, an organic zirconate, or combinations thereof, and (e) a delay agent which is a hydroxyalkylaminocarboxylic acid. The method can be used over a wide range of pH conditions.

Abstract: A method for hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation comprises introducing into the formation a cross-linking composition which comprises (a) an aqueous liquid, (b) a pH buffer, (c) a cross-linkable organic polymer, (d) a cross-linking agent which comprises an organic titanate, an organic zirconate, or combinations thereof, and (e) a delay agent which is a hydroxyalkylaminocarboxylic acid. The method can be used over a wide range of pH conditions.

Abstract: A cross-linking composition comprises a zirconium triethanolamine complex, a tetra(hydroxyalkyl)ethylenediamine, water and optionally, a polyol. The composition can be used for cross-linking organic polymers over a wide range of pH. By varying the composition and optionally adding a delay agent, the composition provides flexibility in rate of cross-linking. Further disclosed are methods to use the composition in oil field applications for hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones and leaks in subterranean formations.

Abstract: A method for plugging a permeable zone or leak in a subterranean formation comprises introducing into the formation a cross-linkable organic polymer and a cross-linking composition which comprises a zirconium triethanolamine complex, a tetra(hydroxyalkyl)ethylenediamine, water and optionally, a polyol. The method can be used for cross-linking organic polymers over a wide range of pH. By varying the composition and optionally adding a delay agent, the method provides flexibility in rate of cross-linking.

Abstract: A method for hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation comprises introducing into the formation a cross-linking composition which comprises a zirconium triethanolamine complex, a tetra(hydroxyalkyl)ethylenediamine, water, a cross-linkable organic polymer, and optionally, a polyol. The method can be used for cross-linking organic polymers over a wide range of pH. By varying the composition and optionally adding a delay agent, the method provides flexibility in rate of cross-linking.

Abstract: A cross-linking composition comprises (a) an aqueous liquid, (b) a pH buffer, (c) a cross-linkable organic polymer, (d) a cross-linking agent which comprises an organic titanate, an organic zirconate, or combinations thereof, and (e) a delay agent which is a hydroxyalkylaminocarboxylic acid. The composition provides flexibility in rate of cross-linking and can be used over a wide range of pH. Further disclosed are methods to use the composition in oil field applications for hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones and leaks in subterranean formations.

Abstract: A composition and a process for producing the composition are disclosed. The composition comprises an alkoxylated phosphite ester which has the formula of (HO[{CH(R)}mO]n)3P in which each R can be the same or different and can be independently hydrogen or an alkyl group, or combinations of two or more thereof and m is a number from 2 to about 20 and n is a number from 2 to about 20. The process comprises contacting a trialkyl phosphite with an alkylene glycol or polyalkylene glycol to produce a mixture followed by heating the mixture. Also disclosed in a process for using the composition, which comprises contacting a carbonyl compound, in the presence of the composition, with an alcohol.

Abstract: A composition and a process for using the composition are disclosed. The composition comprises, or is produced from, a titanium chelate and an aluminum hydroxyhalide, in a solvent. A process comprises contacting a carbonyl compound, in the presence of a composition, with a glycol in which the composition comprises or is produced from a titanium chelate and an aluminum hydroxyhalide. The composite can be produced in the order of adding the aluminum hydroxyhalide to the titanium chelate in the solvent.

Abstract: A composition and a process for producing an ester or polyester are provided. The composition comprises a titanium compound and clay or a dispersion of clay. The process comprises contacting a carbonyl compound, in the presence of a catalyst, with a glycol in which the catalyst comprises a titanium compound and clay or a dispersion of clay.

Abstract: A process for producing polybutylene terephthalate comprises contacting terephthalic acid or its salt or its ester and butylenes glycol, in the presence of a catalyst composition, which comprises, or is produced from, titanium or a titanium compound, a complexing agent, a phosphorus-containing ester, and optionally a solvent. The process can also comprise contacting terephthalic acid or its salt or its ester and a glycol, in the presence of a catalyst composition to produce an oligomer and contacting the oligomer with a phosphorus-containing ester in which the catalyst composition can be one that catalyzes esterification or transesterification or polycondensation.

Abstract: A composition and process for using the composition are disclosed. The composition comprises, or is produced from, a titanium compound, a phosphorus-containing ester, and optionally a solvent. The titanium compound can be a titanium chelate comprising or produced from a tetraalkyl titanate and a complexing agent. The composition can further comprises a hypophosphorous acid, its salt, or both. The process comprises contacting, in the presence of the composition, a carbonyl compound with an alcohol. Also disclosed is a process, which comprises contacting a carbonyl compound and an alcohol, optionally in the presence of a catalyst to produce an oligomer and contacting the oligomer with a phosphorus-containing ester in which the catalyst can be one that catalyzes esterification or transesterification or polycondensation.

Abstract: A composition and a process for producing the composition are disclosed. The composition comprises an alkoxylated phosphite ester which has the formula of (HO[{CH(R)}mO]n)3P in which each R can be the same or different and can be independently hydrogen or an alkyl group, or combinations of two or more thereof and m is a number from 2 to about 20 and n is a number from 2 to about 20. The process comprises contacting a trialkyl phosphite with an alkylene glycol or polyalkylene glycol to produce a mixture followed by heating the mixture. Also disclosed in a process for using the composition, which comprises contacting a carbonyl compound, in the presence of the composition, with an alcohol.

Abstract: A composition that can be used as catalyst in esterification, transesterification or polycondensation is disclosed, which comprises a stable solution comprising (a) titanium in the form of a titanium ?-hydroxycarboxylic acid or its salt, (b) a C1-C6 carboxylic acid, and (c) zinc in the form of a water-soluble zinc salt, and (d) water; and substantially free of an alkanolamine, an aminocarboxylic acid, or combinations two or more thereof. Also disclosed is an esterification, transesterification or polycondensation process, which comprises contacting, in the presence of the solution composition, an organic acid or its ester or its salt with an alcohol, optionally in the presence of a phosphorus compound, an organic or inorganic toning agent such as cobalt acetate, or combinations thereof.